The Toyota Sienta Is A Pocket-Sized Seven-Seat Minivan

• Toyota Sienta revealed as a tiny seven-seat van
• Hybrid and non-hybrid three-cylinder engine options
• Prices start at around $14,000, but it won't be sold in the US

The Chevrolet Suburban is the American idea of a seven-seat passenger vehicle. Across the Pacific Ocean in Japan, they have a very different vision of how to transport seven people. Say hello to the Toyota Sienta, not to be confused with the US specToyota Sienna. It's a new compact vehicle that lends new meaning to the "mini" portion of the term minivan.

The Sienta launched in 2003, but this new model caught our attention because it proves you don't need a massive V8 engine to carry seven people.

Despite having three rows of seating, the Sienta only measures 169.3 inches long. To put that in perspective, the Escalade is 211.9 inches long, and the Sienna is 204.1 inches. Toyota was clever here, adding 20 millimeters (0.78 inches) to the cabin height to provide more interior space.

为这个third-gene后座腿部空间得到了改进ration model, along with a ceiling air circulator to reticulate the A/C around the cabin and UV/IR blocking functions to keep the space more comfortable. For additional sun protection, sunshades are available on the rear sliding doors.

The cabin employs what Toyota calls "Shikakumaru" design with circles and squares. In simple terms, the Sienta's interior has clever storage details and pictograms to show how those areas can be used. There is an armrest hook on the driver's seat for grocery bags, two seat-back smartphone pockets with USB-C ports for phones, large cupholders in the doors and dashboard, and a selection of dealer add-on storage accessories.

Hands-free dual power sliding doors and a low floor make it easy to get in and out of the vehicle. Toyota offers five-seat and seven-seat variants and several Welcab models that provide easy wheelchair access.